Some people collect various tchotchkes or shoes or purses or cats to create happiness. While I would collect cats, I refuse to become a cliche, so instead I collect inspirational sayings to motivate me to live my best life. It’s a lot of pressure on a phrase or sentence or two. 🙂 And yet, words are strong. Inhumanely strong. Ugly words, even those said long ago, grow roots inside of us that seep into our thoughts and unconsciously direct our decisions and beliefs. To help me deal with those roots, I use inspirational quotes to rewire my brain and help me find my way back to happiness.
I picked a few sayings that struck a chord with me, due to what’s going on in my life and the world around me. I share them in hopes that they inspire you as well, because we all have ugly thoughts and false beliefs rolling around our head. Let’s pull them out and discard them. They serve no purpose beyond preventing happiness and living to our fullest potential.
It’s Time to Let Go of Hate
I am scared these days to read the news. There is so much ugliness. We’re so focused on being right and our righteousness versus truly digging in and fixing problems. And righteousness is really dangerous, because it is not only subjective, but it is too often used to shield and/or rationalize ugliness, like racism and prejudice. Or to be blunt, our hate.
We all have hate in our heart, whether we choose to admit it or not. I try really hard not to have hate in my heart, but I do. Sometimes it may be justified, but more often than I am probably willing to admit — it’s moral righteousness. And it’s getting in the way of my happiness. This isn’t advocating that we lay down and let people walk over us. Or that we can’t be angry or upset when someone acts or does something abhorrent and/or criminal and demand justice, but we also shouldn’t condemn a race or religion from the actions of a few.
To remember how hate hurts us collectively. As Maya sagely reminded us, hate has caused untold problems but has never fixed a damn thing. Look at our history, the past is prose. There are real problems in this world that need fixing. And hate isn’t the solution.
You and I Are Strong
I was one of those kids who thought being an adult was going to be awesome 24/7. The reality is that life is tough. It’s ugly. It’s hard. It’s beautiful. It’s fulfilling. It’s every adjective known to mankind. It’s also not for the faint of heart. And that was a real slap in the face.
I don’t often think of myself as being tough. Physically, I’m not. Mentally, it depends on the day. And yet … I am so damn strong. And so are you. Every day we get out of bed to face the unknown. A day of delights, hurts and more. We do it over and over and over. Whatever the odds, we rise up.
Life isn’t always easy or fun. Some moments are brutal and we want to give-up. But then we remember, navigating life is hard, but when done right, unbelievably rewarding too.
See the Blessings Around You
I’ve shared with you my struggles with depression and it continues to be an ongoing battle. Gratitude is one of the best defenses against it, but when I’m at my lowest, it’s really hard to see the light and goodness in my life. My world is dark and overcast. As silly as it may seem to some of you, my inspirational sayings help me shift my thoughts.
Words are powerful. They articulate hopes, dreams and feelings. There are dark clouds in my life, but there is also a lot of light. I just have to pay attention. It’s why I not only collect inspirational sayings but redesign and share them. It’s the combination of reading and building something beautiful to showcase these strong, truthful words that reminds me of my own strength and blessings. And the darkness fades just a bit more.
What are some of your favorite inspirational sayings?
Tanya
beautiful post, Tanya.
There is way too much hate in this world and for what? for someone believing something different than you? for being different? for acting different? I just don’t get how people can destroy each other for being different 🙁
Thanks, Kathy! I don’t get it either. I mean – Who cares if someone is different from you? Or who decided you were what everyone should be like? People need to get over themselves!
oh i love this. the maya angelou one is my fave, i love things that remind me of something really logical, you know? like that totally makes sense, therefore it resonates with me.
i would have a bazillion cats if KC let me. all the cats. if he wasn’t around, i’d a kajillion cats. ALL THE CATS.
I love that one too. It’s so true. And simple. Me too, Kristen. If I could all the cats, I would too. And I would love each and every one of them! LOL!
I am such a quote lover too! I love the ones that you posted here.
I can’t really say I have a favorite quote, as different quotes resonate with me at different times in my life. At this point in my life “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want” – Helen Keller is timely as well as “Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt.
Me too, Nancy. Love and hoard them! 😀 Oh, I love both quotes you shared. The Roosevelt quote is so spot on and something I struggle with sometimes. A great reminder of how it robs me of my happiness.
“While I would collect cats, I refuse to become a cliché”. Ha, ha, ha 🙂
I love quotes too! My favorite one which totally helps me, especially on “bad” days, is “This too shall pass”.
It was less worrisome when I was under 40, but now that I’m over the hill, I gotta watch how many cats I have. JK! I’d still take them all if I could – cliche or not! Good quote to hold onto Mackenzie. I will have to remember it because it is true.
Love this post so much! Mindfulness, although a 2016 “buzzword”, is so, so important. I’ve always been a huge fan of inspirational quotes. Sometimes those few words will turn your entire day around. Rumi always has great ones. Honestly, my favorite inspirational quote of all time is the serenity prayer. I’ve been working on how to turn it into a tattoo for several years because the words are just SO powerful.
So true! It’s strange how just a few sentences can help you reset your mind and outlook. Rumi is one of my go-to’s when I’m looking for inspirational quotes. The serenity prayer is definitely a good one too. It would make a beautiful tattoo too.
Good quotes! Sometimes we all need a reminder from some of these wise people. Love it!
Thanks, Kayla! I agree. When I’m down, these kind of quotes really help me.